Washington: The Trump administration has suspended visa processing for visitors from 75 countries, effective January 21, according to a report by Fox News, which cited an internal memo from the US State Department. The move is part of a wider review of immigration and visa procedures being undertaken by the administration.
Countries reportedly affected by the suspension include Somalia, Russia, Iran, Afghanistan, Brazil, Nigeria, and Thailand, among others. The pause applies to visitor visas and directs US embassies to refuse visas under existing legal provisions while the department reassesses its current processes.
Officials from the State Department did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding the reported memo. According to Fox News, the directive does not specify how long the suspension will remain in effect, leaving applicants and governments uncertain about timelines for resumption.
Part of Broader Immigration Crackdown
The reported decision comes amid a sweeping immigration crackdown pursued by Republican President Donald Trump since taking office last January. The administration has consistently emphasised stricter border controls, enhanced vetting, and reduced migration from what it describes as high-risk regions.
In November, Trump had publicly vowed to “permanently pause” migration from all “Third World Countries”, following a shooting near the White House by an Afghan national that resulted in the death of a National Guard member. The incident intensified calls within the administration for tougher immigration and security measures.
Uncertainty for Applicants
With no clear timeframe provided for the reassessment, the suspension is likely to affect thousands of prospective visitors, including tourists, business travellers, and short-term visitors from the listed countries. Immigration experts say the directive could also place additional strain on US embassies already dealing with visa backlogs.
As the State Department continues its review, further guidance is expected on whether the pause will be extended, modified, or lifted in the coming weeks.